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The patient's history and physical examination are critically important in the diagnosis of osteosarcoma. While newly appearing bone pain does not typically suggest osteosarcoma as the initial suspect, persistent pain lasting longer than 3-4 weeks warrants a more careful investigation. When pain is accompanied by swelling, the following examinations are usually performed to confirm the diagnosis:
* X-ray: Can allow visualization of the tumor. However, very early-stage osteosarcoma lesions can sometimes be missed on X-ray images. Therefore, evaluation by a physician specialized in bone tumors is of great importance.
* Magnetic Resonance (MR) Imaging: Provides detailed information about the tumor's size, extent, and relationship with surrounding tissues. Contrast agents may sometimes be used to improve image quality.
* Computed Tomography (CT): Used for a more detailed examination of the tumor's location and characteristics within the bone structure. Additionally, a chest CT may be performed to assess for potential metastasis to the lungs.
* Bone Scintigraphy: A method used to detect possible tumor spread (metastases) in other bones throughout the body.
* Biopsy: The gold standard for confirming the diagnosis of osteosarcoma. A small tissue sample is taken from the tumor through an interventional procedure and examined under a microscope by a pathologist.
How is osteosarcoma diagnosed?
* X-ray: Can allow visualization of the tumor. However, very early-stage osteosarcoma lesions can sometimes be missed on X-ray images. Therefore, evaluation by a physician specialized in bone tumors is of great importance.
* Magnetic Resonance (MR) Imaging: Provides detailed information about the tumor's size, extent, and relationship with surrounding tissues. Contrast agents may sometimes be used to improve image quality.
* Computed Tomography (CT): Used for a more detailed examination of the tumor's location and characteristics within the bone structure. Additionally, a chest CT may be performed to assess for potential metastasis to the lungs.
* Bone Scintigraphy: A method used to detect possible tumor spread (metastases) in other bones throughout the body.
* Biopsy: The gold standard for confirming the diagnosis of osteosarcoma. A small tissue sample is taken from the tumor through an interventional procedure and examined under a microscope by a pathologist.